Kabuki: A Lament: Dedicated to Joe Barra
Buki- your name has its origin in the world of make believe, a world of enchantment. You were the epitome of this ideal, a prototype to which other bull terriers could be compared to in body and spirit. You were a beauty: a coat of celestial purity, a regal stride, an angular face of Da Vinci symmetry. And, oh that smile, you just melted our hearts.
During your 16 years with your daddy, Joe, you performed many roles to please him: an Olympic swimmer, a runner with roller bladders, an obedient daughter, a loyal friend and a lover to Max. But your supreme persona was that of "momma" as Joe endearingly addressed you. You nurtured your litters with scrutiny and care instilling them with your extraordinary virtues before you relinquished them into adulthood to interested caregivers.
Joe cries out your name, just one more time he wishes to hold and kiss you. How will he combat your absence, the darkness from your death?
In your later years, you were afflicted with blindness and deafness, but like the goddess Demeter, you warded off adversity with fierce retaliation. You wouldn't have any self pity. The silence and shadows did not thwart your will to live. You still found joy in your daily walks, your robust meals, and your parental monitoring of your boy, Neo and daughter, Cher.
Joe loved and emulated you. You were his heroine. But even heroines are mortal, and in this life, your heart weakened, your limbs atrophied and your mind faded. Joe longs for another worldly day when you two will greet each other again with your leash and a smile, and roller blade with him in Victoria Park, Lauderdale.
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